I don't know about y'all but I am very much looking forward to some fall weather. This summer has been especially humid which makes outdoor projects a bit more exhausting. Within the first 20 minutes of working we are usually drenched in sweat, but we have to keep working because we are on a tight schedule for our front fencing project. Fingers crossed that they can start this week.
Our new fence will provide additional room to graze and more flexibility with breeding season and weening our goat kids. Goat breeding season is quickly approaching which means we need to separate the young doelings so that they do not get bred too young. Breeding too young can stunt their long term growth and cause complications with delivery. The new fence will also allow us to separate the young ones from their dams so that they can be completely weaned. We have been pretty relaxed with weaning the goats this year, mainly because we are swimming in excess milk.
We originally planned to stop milking our does in November, but may dry them off sooner. This rest time is essential so that they can add some weight before winter and be in better body condition for breeding. Their body condition can directly affect their fertility and the health of their kids. The extra rest also allows the does to have better quality colostrum for their newborn kids so that they too can be healthier and more hardy. All that to say, this fencing will really help us to accomplish those goals and give us peace of mind that no one will be bred accidentally or negligently.
We are also are very excited to share that we have a new addition to the farm! Y'all we have been praying and searching for a long time. Even though the wait was long, we know that God is faithful to provide in the right season. We have mentioned in the past that we were looking for an affordable UTV in good condition and we finally found one. For the past two years, we have been trudging up and down the hills on our property, most of the time while carrying something heavy or pushing an overflowing wheelbarrow. The front of our property is so steep that we usually have to stop half way up to catch our breath. I think for awhile we (mostly Jordan) was stubborn enough to think that this was a way to keep us in shape, and since we are relatively young and able, it was tolerable. But we started to realize that there was a lot of wasted time and energy.
In farming, it’s all about having the right tools for the job. That doesn’t mean you have to go out buy the latest and greatest piece of equipment. It’s more about function, practicality, and affordability. We knew that our current solution for getting all the manure and straw from the barn to our compost pile wasn't going to be a long term solution. Taking one wheelbarrow load at a time all the way across the hills of our property wasted a lot of energy. But not anymore!
We did not purchase the newest UTV or the most comfortable one. We purchased the one that is known to be a workhorse, one that will last, and one that requires low and affordable maintenance. It does not have a radio, suspension, or a roof. But it will get the job done and do it well. I think these are very important things to consider when purchasing equipment for your farm. We really don’t need the best of things. We just need a faithful reliable tool in the hands of the operator. Much like our calling in life, we desire to be faithful and reliable tools in the hands of the Creator.
How can I pray for you?
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